The Women's House of Detention

This insightful history explores the Women’s House of Detention in New York City, a prison that played a pivotal role in shaping queer communities and radical politics in the twentieth century. Through the stories of the women and trans people held there, historian Hugh Ryan uncovers a neglected chapter of history, illustrating how the institution influenced the development of queer identity and activism. The book highlights the prison's impact on the neighborhood and the broader movement for prison abolition, all while revealing the resilience and resistance of those incarcerated.